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NAGARJUNAKONDA

On the krishna river, about 150kms south of Hydrabad Nagarjunakonda was one of the largest and most important center for the bhudhist in southern India from 2nd century BC until the 3rd century AD. It was then known as Vijayapuri. Nagarjuna one of the most reverred of the bhudhist monks gave Nagarjunakonda it's name. This site was discovered in 1926. In the 1950's and 1960's subsequent excavations have unearthed the remains of Viharas, Stupas, Chaityas and mandapams as well as some examples of white marble carvings and sculptures depicting the life of the Bhuddha. this original site now lies under the reservoir created by the building of the huge Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in 1960. The nearby hilltop fort now an island in the middle of the reservoir now houses the buildings which were removed and reconstructed before the flooding. A museum on the island also houses the statues, coins, jewellery and other pre historic artifacts found at the site.    

The city of Nagarjuna Konda was, once a marvellous place adorned with stupas, chaityas, monasteries, and  splendid sculpture depicting the life of Buddha, besides the tools of Palaeolithic and neolithic ages. It also boasted of a large amphitheatre with perfect acoustics, an altar for the sacrifice of horses, royal baths, quays and bathing ghats along the river, and a well planned drainage system. But as time passed by and Buddhism lost strong roots in India, the city became almost oblivious to the outside world. In 1960 work began on the Nagarjunasagar dam (Hydro Electric Project) on the river Krishna which was the world's tallest masonary dam. Excavations were hence resumed with added urgency and  the ruins from the site, were relocated stone by stone, on the crest of Nagarjunakonda Hill, overlooking the river. With the completion of the project, Nagarjunakonda regained its lost fame and beauty. On the slopes of the Nagarjuna hill,  is now an island in the immense lake.

What to See

Nagarjuna dam, which was completed in 1966, is 124 metres high and 1 km long, one of the largest masonry in the world. The lake, which it straddles, is the third largest manmade lake in the world. 4 kms away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes. On a pylon not too far from the dam, is the image of Nagarjuna, the patron of the ancient city.Within easy reach of Nagarjunasagar, are the picturesque Ethipothala waterfalls, and the thick forest of the Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is part of Project Tiger, and supports a variety of animals, birds and reptiles.

How to Get There
Regular bus services from Hyderabad, Guntur and Vijayawada.

 

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